Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the legal obligation of law enforcement officers regarding suspected child or elder abuse?

1. To intervene immediately

2. To report to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services

3. To warn the family

4. To pursue prosecution of the abuser

The correct answer is: To report to Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services

The legal obligation of law enforcement officers regarding suspected child or elder abuse primarily includes the requirement to report such cases to the appropriate authorities, namely Child Protective Services (CPS) for suspected child abuse or Adult Protective Services (APS) for suspected elder abuse. This obligation stems from mandated reporting laws, which are designed to protect vulnerable populations by ensuring that any suspicion of abuse is investigated by professionals who can provide appropriate care and intervention. By reporting the suspected abuse to these specialized agencies, law enforcement plays a critical role in initiating an investigation and helping to ensure the safety and welfare of the individuals affected. This duty is not only a matter of professional responsibility but is often enshrined in legal statutes that require officers to take action in the interests of protecting those who may be unable to protect themselves. On the other hand, while intervening immediately can be necessary in certain situations, the primary legal obligation centers around reporting. Warnings to the family or attempts to pursue prosecution are not mandated actions and typically occur later in the process, once the proper authorities have been alerted and investigations into the allegations are underway.